Use sewing machine to stitch 2 straight lines 1/2 inch apart from edge to center of skirt. (Use red thread in top of machine and white in bobbin.) Cut between stitched lines toward center to create skirt opening. Make 7-inch circle in middle of skirt with chalk. (You can use string as you did in step 2 to make a small circle.)

Sew around circle, and cut out inner circle with pinking shears.

Copy and cut out patterns. Download tree skirt patterns here. Cut out snowmen and holly designs from felt. Glue snowmen to red side of fleece and holly berries and leaves to white side of fleece with craft glue. Hot glue black buttons on snowmen. Use fabric marker to draw snowman eyes. (Note: Spot wash only with mild soap and water.)

Fuzzy Fleece Tree Skirt Variation

Cut different-size squares from extra white felt. Fold squares, and cut out small shapes from folded edges to create snowflakes. Unfold and glue snowflakes to red side between and above snowmen.

A Ring of Angels

Ring your Christmas tree with a crowd of angels against a hunter green background. You'll be glad you did -- especially when it is time to clean up the fallen needles. Until then, you'll have the pleasure of viewing heavenly things on an earthly level!

Cut a straight line to center of tablecloth. Cut out 4-inch circle for tree.

Iron adhesive to back of felt squares and lame, using medium setting. Press 4 to 5 seconds. Trace patterns on paper side of adhesive. Download tree skirt patterns here. There are 5 angels on tree skirt, 5 stars to hold, and 30 scattered stars. Use antique white for face, hands, and feet; flesh for hair; red for dress; and gold lame for stars. Cut out and remove paper.

Position first angel on skirt. Iron appliques to felt. Evenly space remaining angels around skirt and adhere. Iron on both shapes of stars. Spread sparkly gold paint over wings with flat brush.

Iron adhesive to back of material. On medium setting, place iron on paper side of adhesive and press for 3 to 5 seconds. Trace patterns on paper back of prepared materials. Download tree skirt patterns here. Use green for 17 holly leaves. Use brown for 8 small and 6 large gingerbread boys. Use mini-print for 15 candy canes. Cut out and remove all paper.

Position gingerbread, holly, and candy canes around chalk edge. (Leave 2 inches of edge undecorated.) Place 3 candy canes between center and border. Iron appliques to felt; let cool. Be sure all edges are secured. Re-iron if necessary, but do not overheat (iron 3 to 7 seconds only).

Now that you've seen all the delightful Christmas decorations you can make with your very own hands, the store-bought items you used to ooh and aah over might not seem as special. Get crafting today, and create a home for the holidays the whole family will enjoy.

For someone who loves antiquing, nothing is more satisfying than finding a $2 curio and a priceless piece of furniture in the same place on the same day. Of course, knowing how to ask for what we like -- and paying the price you want to pay -- can make it even better.